Yes, a student in the United States on a student visa can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN), but it’s contingent on specific conditions tied to their visa status and work authorization. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues SSNs to non-citizens only if they are legally authorized to work in the U.S., so the ability of a student to get one depends on the type of student visa they hold and whether they’ve secured permission to engage in employment.
The most common student visa is the F-1 visa, for academic students at accredited institutions. F-1 students can obtain an SSN if they’re approved for certain types of work:
On-Campus Employment: F-1 students can work on campus (e.g., at the university library or dining hall) up to 20 hours per week during the school term without needing extra approval beyond their visa status. To get an SSN, they need a job offer letter from the employer and a form from their Designated School Official (DSO) confirming eligibility.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This allows off-campus work directly related to their major, like internships, but requires enrollment for at least one academic year first (with exceptions for graduate programs). The DSO authorizes CPT, and an SSN can follow with proof of the job.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Post-graduation, F-1 students can apply for up to 12 months of work in their field (or 36 months for STEM fields). They need approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) via an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which then qualifies them for an SSN.
Another student visa, the J-1 visa, is for exchange visitors (e.g., scholars, au pairs). J-1 students can get an SSN if their program sponsor authorizes work, often requiring a letter from the sponsor alongside their DS-2019 form.
The M-1 visa, for vocational students, is stricter—work isn’t typically allowed, so M-1 holders rarely qualify for an SSN unless they adjust status (e.g., to a work-authorized visa).
To apply, students submit Form SS-5 to the SSA with their passport, visa, I-20 (for F-1/M-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1), proof of work authorization (like an EAD or job letter), and sometimes an I-94 arrival/departure record. The SSN issued is a standard nine-digit number, though the card may note “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION” to reflect its restricted use.
If a student overstays their visa or works without permission, they can’t legally get an SSN unless they later gain lawful status (e.g., asylum). Data from 2023 shows about 350,000 F-1 visas were issued, with a subset applying for SSNs based on these work options—exact numbers aren’t public, but it’s a routine process for those eligible. So, yes, it’s possible, but tightly regulated by their visa’s work provisions. 17GEN4.com
Comments